Family History

They lived through both World Wars, my grandfather was orphaned at the age of 11 and they migrated in the 1950s from Holland to Australia.

Numbers 33:1-56

Reference: v.2 At the Lord ’s command Moses recorded the stages in their journey. This is their journey by stages… (TNIV Bible)

Explore: My father’s side of the family is trying to piece together a history of my grandparent’s life.  As they were both born in the early 1900s it is clear to say that their life was a great deal different to mine.  They lived through both World Wars, my grandfather was orphaned at the age of 11 and they migrated in the 1950s from Holland to Australia.  While I have only heard a few of the stories I am so glad that this history is coming together.  The stories from the past are an insight into my father’s heritage and are a reminder to us of how our world has changed in under 100 years.

Application: While it is important not to dwell in the past it is valuable to look back and see where we have come.  Understanding my father’s past helps me to appreciate their sacrifices that have brought me to where I am today.  Likewise God understood the importance of recording history and instructed Moses to write down the stages of the Israelite’s journey out of Egypt towards the Promised Land.  As they came to the end of their journey it was the generation that had passed that had left the city of slavery and so it was important that everyone recalled how their history had lead them to this place.  Our history shapes who we are, and while it doesn’t need to determine our future it is worth looking back to see where God has taken us.

Prayer: Lord, no matter what our journeys have been we acknowledge that You are a part of our lives and we live to serve you more in our future. Amen.

What is a significant moment in your past?

family, history, Numbers